Vaccination schedule for international pet transport to Spain

Vaccinations are an essential part of international pet travel. Most countries around the world require your pet cat or dog to be fully vaccinated before travelling. Different countries have different vaccination requirements, and it is important to check pet import regulations before making travel plans.

Spain is a rabies-free country, and only pet dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies can enter the country. If you are planning to travel to Spain with your pet, here’s all you need to know about the vaccination schedule for pet travel to the country.

Know your country category

It is important to know your country category before international pet travel. These categories are created based on the country’s rabies status. Category 1 countries usually are rabies-free countries. Category 2 countries have a low incidence of rabies, whereas unlisted or Category 3 countries are nations where rabies is prevalent.

Generally, it is easier to travel between countries in the same category or from a country of low risk to a one of high risk. Spain recognises three country categories:

• EU member countries
• Third countries: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Ascension, Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Bermuda, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Croatia, Faroe Islands, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Greenland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation, San Marino, Switzerland, Singapore, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St. Martin, St Pierre and Miquelon, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Wallis and Futuna
• Non-listed countries: Countries that are not classified under Categories 1 and 2

Vaccination schedule for pets travelling to Spain from the EU and Third Countries

Pet dogs and cats travelling to Spain from the EU and Third Countries must be vaccinated against rabies before their flight. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before the date of journey. Remember to implant the microchip before administering the vaccine. Ask your vet to record all the details of the vaccine such as batch number, date of vaccination and date of expiry in the pet passport accurately.

The rabies vaccine must be a WHO-recommended inactivated or recombinant vaccine and must be administered as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Vaccination schedule for pets travelling to Spain from non-listed countries

Pet cats and dogs from non-listed countries need to be vaccinated against rabies followed by a rabies titre test (RNATT) before travelling to Spain. The rabies titre test is performed to check the efficacy of the rabies vaccine by testing the level of antibodies in your pet’s blood.

The blood sample for the rabies titre test must be drawn 30 days after the rabies vaccination. The sample must be sent to an EU-authorised lab for analysis. The level of antibodies in the sample must be not less than 0.5 IU/ml to satisfy the EU standard. If your pet meets all import conditions, they can travel to Spain after three months from the date of the titre test.  

International pet travel made easy

Travelling with a pet to an international destination is not always simple and straightforward. Relocating to a new country with a pet during your own relocation can be stressful. Pet import regulations are complicated and time-consuming. It is recommended to partner with an accredited pet travel agency to assist you with the pet relocation. An experienced agent will help you with the paperwork and other formalities and ensure your pet has a stress-free travel experience.

If you are planning to travel to Spain with your pet, reach out to the experts at Petraveller for more information on the pet import process and a free pet travel quote.